Red Sea Max Owners Club

[bilge rat]

Cadlights just came out with their "new-new" 34g "sig series"
nano tank...has the lead IMO as far as getting close to perfect nano.
I have the 34g 1.0 would deff go for this if i had known it was coming.
joshuah

Originally posted by Reefmack
There probably are, but none of the all-in-ones are perfect. They all seem to be lacking in one area or another.

[Reefmack]

Not to be negative, but if it just came out it may not turn out to be as perfect as it seems. The RSM was perfect when it came out too! Even the new JBG is already getting some complaints on the skimmer, overheating, etc. The Cadlights does look nice though!

[bilge rat]

well its version 2.0 of the 34g that just came out.
Its perty good turn around time actually, ive had my 34g for 3+ months now, they listened to recommendations and ideas from the owners
and came out with a new improved version...."2.0" so while i agree nothing is perfect Cadlights does alot to keep their customer base satisfied and has Eeeeexxxcelllent customer service ta-boot.
I think we will continue to see improvements in nano tech and nano tanks with the way this hobby seems to be growing, which will mean more competition amongst nano producers=good for us.
joshuah

[glalderman]

Looks like a nice system...certainly would have looked at it also if I had not bought yet...

Did see something interesting if anyone is wanting to run a UV Sterilizer...they have a drop in version for $50 that would fit in the heater well of the RSM...infact...looks like a heater unit...

[Reefmack]

I agree the V2 will an improvement. But you could say the RSM is version 2 or whatever, as the ones coming out now do have the mods on them that were done by Red Sea since the first ones were issued. Life isn't perfect, unfortunately. And while a few owners might disagree, most RSM owners think the customer service they get is great also - I do! I've gotten free fan upgrades, a free heater, etc., and others have gotten pump upgrades, etc, free. RSM also goes out of their way to keep us owners as happy as possible, and instead of coming out with a new version they offer upgrades for the older ones, so far at no cost to owners. If Cadlights goes to the same great lengths as RSM that's great for Cadlights owners! But, I'm sure the Cadlights V2 won't be without some issues of some type. It all just leads to better nanos in the future. No tank, not even ones that you put together yourself will ever be perfect. Ain't no such thing!

[Reefmack]

Originally posted by glalderman
Looks like a nice system...certainly would have looked at it also if I had not bought yet...

Did see something interesting if anyone is wanting to run a UV Sterilizer...they have a drop in version for $50 that would fit in the heater well of the RSM...infact...looks like a heater unit...

Hi glalderman. I've been reading "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist", and I'm 99% sure that the author says the UV sterilizers are not needed & therefore pretty much a waste of money.

[bilge rat]

i was going to ask about the uv's and if anyone uses them...

[Tylt33]

Finally ordered my RSM this weekend... I'm gonna need some serious help once this thing gets here.

[michaelaz]

Originally posted by Tylt33
Finally ordered my RSM this weekend... I'm gonna need some serious help once this thing gets here.

Thats awesome , welocome to the addiction er club

Dont worry , its not as hard as it seems and everything works its way out, theres some pretty smart guys on here and everyone is welcomed with open arms. I was really nervous about posting here myself, Ive seen too many internet flame wars and dont have the time anymore. Ask away, try to read at least the last 5-10 pages and everything should be covered 1 or twice.

Myself, I cut my black sponge in half,added a hydor #2 powerhead upper rear right coner to move water around and thats about it, look at at some the NANO's in this thread, if mine looks 1/2 as good I will be happy.

The only down side ? Is when I check RC and there is no new posts in this thread, its gets addicting to follow.

Again welcome.

Michael

[TYMRZRCAT]

kool count me into the club i love my max and i agree the skimmer sux but hey for 600 bucks for all you get is a steal!!!!!! ill post u some pics soon

[Reefmack]

Hey Tylt33 and TYMRZRCAT!



to the RSM club and Reef Central!

Tylt33 - we'll give you all the help you can. There are enough RSM owners that now visit this thread that there's a lot of experience in here from a lot of people, new ones, and ones that have had the RSM for several months. Please don't be afraid to ask anything that you think may have been asked before. It's a bit difficult to find things in all of these pages! Some day I'll try to summarize a lot of what's been discussed. With the group we have in here, if there's ever any flaming it'll be from someone other than a RSM owner, and won't be tolerated by any of us. We all love to see pictures too, so post some if & when you have them. IMO every tank looks great to me, even if it's in the middle of an algae phase!

BTW, just because I started this thead does in no way mean I'm an expert on the RSM or anything else!

[glalderman]

Reefmack...I like that idea too...I hate wasting money...so keep reading!

[Reefmack]

glalderman - you made me go read that section about UV sterilizers again! It didn't say they were a waste of money, just that they weren't needed in most cases of properly filtered tanks. They do have some benefits on water quality - killing algae & bad bacteria & parasites in the water column. But they also kill good bacteria. It's also stated that by killing all the bacteria & parasites in the water, that the critters' no longer having to fight off parasites, etc. can lead to weakening their immune systems, and actually making them more susceptible to the things you're trying to control. So, whether it's a waste I don't know - he just infers that it's not necessary in most cases. Upkeep also requires replacing the bulbs as the UV content will steadily decrease as the bulb ages. Pros & cons to UV sterilizers, just like everything! It's a good book to have.

[glalderman]

Reefmack...see...I am good for something...but you will never hear my ex admit it...I seem to remember her saying something starting with "you no good........"

[LaurentSeattle]

Another very practical question...

Is there a trick to access the pumps and filtration chamber without removing the entire hood? It is quite difficult to get there when the hood is open...

[tundra420619]

i find it easier if you take out the plastic pins and have somebody hold it up for you.

[Reefmack]

glalderman -

Laurent - as tundra said - take out the first set of pins on the two sides & get your other half, or a friend, to hold up the hood. That's one of the things I appreciate my wife for! It beats taking the whole hood off, or finding that you need 3 arms trying to do it yourself! If anyone has a better method let us all know!

[tundra420619]

thats what kids are for

[Tylt33]

I think I've read the entire read two times. The problem is, not having an RSM and not having any kind of fish tank, I lack a schema to figure out what you guys are talking about. I bought and read two books about reef tanks, but again, it's still kinda foreign. I don't even know what I'm going to do for water at this point... I'm on a well systems, and the water is gnarly. Yikes.

[michaelaz]

Just buy and install a RO system or buy distilled water from water and ice

[Reefmack]

Tylt33 - where are you located? Maybe someone in here is in your area, and can point to to local places to get water, etc. The RO/DI unit may be a good idea to get you some decent water from your well water if it's that bad. If you have a local saltwater lfs that can supply RO/DI water or pre-mixed saltwater that would be an option - in that case you could get a couple 5 gallon water containers/jugs with secure caps on them & make a few trips to the lfs to get your water to set up the tank and for future water changes etc. or until you get an RO/DI unit.

I've heard that some Walmarts & some grocery stores may have RO water machines also that you could fill up your containers at.

Do you run your well water through a water softener or anything like that? Do you know if you have hard water or soft water? Soft water would make the filters & membranes in an RO/DI unit last longer. An RO/DI unit takes tap or well water and removes solids & impurities from it, resulting in basically pure water that won't include anything toxic or anything that would be nutrients for algae. Distilled water from the store would work, but picking up 34 gallon bottles would be a lot of bottles! But it would at least be a way to get started, and you might not need all 34 gallons to begin with as your rock will take up space.

I hope that helps with some ideas for you. It sounds like you'll need help from all of us, but that's fine - just ask for it.

[glalderman]

Originally posted by tundra420619
i find it easier if you take out the plastic pins and have somebody hold it up for you.

since I live alone...I don't have that option...I pull the plastic pins and just use a 3/8" dowel rod long enough to prop open the hood...use it like the long rod that props the hood open on some cars...

Greg

[Reefmack]

Originally posted by glalderman
since I live alone...I don't have that option...I pull the plastic pins and just use a 3/8" dowel rod long enough to prop open the hood...use it like the long rod that props the hood open on some cars...

Greg

I'd thought about that approach. Is is sturdy? Where do you put the 2 ends of the dowel?

For everyone - if you haven't seen it, LaurentSeattle has an RSM build thread that he started not too long ago when he set up his RSM. You may find it interesting - not as many pages as this one to read through.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forum...readid=1153840

[glalderman]

Reefmack...I made sort of a point on both ends of my dowel rod...1 end wedges in at the hinge point on the tank rim...the other end as I remember (at work sorry...) is actually wedged in the hinge point area of the hood...dowel rod is longer than the plastic hinges so it props the hood almost vertical...

I will try to remember to post a picture tonight...

[Reefmack]

Ok glalderman - yes. a picture would help when you get one. I guess I'll still keep my wife though LOL!